Crucially, as per the Jay-Z formula for success, you're not allowed to "forget friends and family, or your karma will suffer". Make the right choices and you can have it all in this game.

Chapters of the game feature a range of locations key to Jay-Z's life, including:

Marcy Projects

Brooklyn

Manhattan

Virginia Beach

Tropical Island

Miami South Beach

As you complete set goals you will level up with experience points, empire cash, fame cred and karma. There will be tough decisions on the way that will force you to trade-off gaining more money, fame or cred at the cost of karma.

You'll get to build yourself a hot crib with all the rap superstars accoutrements of lawns, extensive grounds, a range of architecture styles, cars, yachts and jet skis and toys like billiards tables, hot tubs and basketball courts.

Like most Facebook apps, the Facebook sign up for Empire asks for permission to access your name, profile picture, gender, networks, user ID, list of friends and any other information you've made public. It also asks to be able to send you emails, post on your behalf including "status updates, photos and more".